NOTE: This is a hypothetical situation! I don’t know of anyone doing this and I most likely won’t do it myself, even if the thread says it’s OK.
Imagine I want to increase my chances of getting a particular role.
How annoyed will VCs be if I apply to two different events that happen simultaneously, with the intent to withdraw one of them if I get a desired role from the other event (I will obviously note that I’m doing all this in the “notes to the VC” text field)?
Has anyone ever done this?
Should I instead email both VCs beforehand to inquire about the remaining spots for the roles, or is that annoying too?
Is there another way that I haven’t mentioned for people to accomplish this (i.e. to increase the chance they get a particular role)? I would imagine at least one exists, namely “be friendly with the VCs/planning committees already”, but let’s imagine I’m not (yet).)
Again, I’m probably not even going to do this, I was mostly just curious. I’m aware that this is an unconventional use of volunteer applications at best and seriously inconvenient to the VCs at worst (like if they miss the note, or if the withdrawal causes reshuffling). Obviously I’m trying not to inconvenience VCs; I never would voluntarily do so.
If people need a concrete example of which roles one would ask for with this: field staff, let’s say CSA/FS/scorekeeper specifically.
(Yes, I know it’s rather late to be thinking about applications if I’m this picky.)
Step 1: Apply to the event you want the role at. ONLY put that role.
Step 2: Contact the VC. There’s often a contact form there. Explain that you really want the role.
Step 3: Patience.
There’s a much longer strategy to increase chances of getting a given role, though.
Step 1: At events, talk to the people doing that role.
Step 2: Take on that role at one or more offseasons. Ideally with guidance from one or more people you talked to in Step 1, especially at first.
Step 3: If those people say you’re ready to go, make sure you’re on text or email chains with them and that they know what event you’d like to do the role at.
Step 4: Apply for the role in VIMS. If you’re actually ready and the right people know you’re going for it and think you’d be OK, there’s pretty good odds you’ll get it.
Step 5: Do a good job and the role is pretty much yours unless circumstances change.
I wouldn’t be afraid to apply to both, but absolutely reach out to the VCs and be very transparent about your intentions and goals. I don’t think it would bother most VCs much unless it comes as a surprise later.
Is there another way that I haven’t mentioned for people to accomplish this (i.e. to increase the chance they get a particular role)? I would imagine at least one exists, namely “be friendly with the VCs/planning committees already”, but let’s imagine I’m not (yet).)
Most of the roles you mentioned are “key volunteer” roles, and the best way to get into those roles is to volunteer in a different role first, express interest in a key role to the VC and the key volunteer you are working with, then do a great job in your role.
The planning committees don’t typically have an active role in assigning volunteers. They will often be expected to help with recruiting, and events generally run more smoothly if the key volunteers have a good working relationship with the committee, but the VC is really the key here.
It can also help to chat with the VCs early about what they need in your area. Maybe your region has scorekeepers coming out of their ears, but recently had a Field Supervisor step back and they are looking for a replacement. Knowing what the needs are are whether those needs align with your goals can help tremendously.
As a VC, I’ve received applications before from volunteers who applied to overlapping events and didn’t tell either VC. I assigned them, and they withdrew their application because they preferred the other event. That scenario isn’t ideal.
Communicate clearly with the VCs, and you’ll be fine.
If the events are local to each other, often the VCs talk and can help figure out where you’re needed more, if you’re flexible.
VMS will flag for the VCs if you are already assigned on a given day, but it’s possible for someone to miss this and it also is not obvious if you’ve applied to two overlapping events but haven’t yet been assigned.
You can also think about signing up to volunteer at your local FTC Meets and Qualifers. There are similar roles and more chances to train on those key roles on the FTC field.